Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Kara Swisher’s March 5, 2024, conversation with Alex Stamos at Town Hall Seattle turned the launch of Burn Book: A Tech Love Story into a look back at Silicon Valley’s rise—and an argument for scrutinizing the people and companies shaping technology. Here are the event’s key ideas and the sharpest remarks, as reported by GeekWire.
What was the ‘Burn Book’ event?
Town Hall Seattle hosted “Kara Swisher with Alex Stamos” in its Great Hall on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Pacific. The event was presented under the label “Burn Book”; Town Hall listed sliding-scale tickets at $5–$25.
The conversation centered on Swisher’s book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story. Town Hall described it as a mix of memoir and history, tracing the digital boom from the early 1990s and examining Silicon Valley’s founders, power, and broader impact. The event page also framed Swisher as optimistic about technology’s potential while urging more thoughtful choices around powerful AI tools. Town Hall Seattle’s event page has the organizer’s description.
Why did Swisher write the book when she did?
In GeekWire’s report on the conversation, Swisher said she had turned down opportunities to write a book because she did not consider the story finished. “I got asked to write books all the time during those ensuing years. I never really wanted to because I didn’t think the story was over, or finished,” she said, as quoted by reporter Todd Bishop.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
She described two developments that changed her mind: the growing scale and power of technology companies during COVID, and the arrival of artificial general intelligence as another turning point. “One, the tech companies got so big during COVID, got so enormous and so powerful. It started to really disturb me because they had no guardrails around them,” she said. On AI, she added: “The second part was that AGI [artificial general intelligence] had become a thing, and so you can see, we’re at another inflection point.”
Those are Swisher’s reasons as relayed in the event report, not independent measurements of corporate power or a forecast about AI. Her historical purpose was succinct: “I thought, someone has to tell people what these people were like, historically, and tell the truth.”
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What did Swisher mean by ‘reported analysis’?
One of the conversation’s central ideas was that journalism can combine rigorous reporting with a clearly identified interpretation of what the reporting reveals. Swisher described the approach this way: “We did killer reporting, and then we said, ‘Well, this is a mess, or this is great.’” She added, “I think that’s valuable to audiences.”
The distinction matters: reporting establishes the material a journalist has gathered; analysis makes an argument about its significance. Readers can assess that argument more clearly when the reporting and the journalist’s judgment are both visible, rather than when opinion is presented as if it were a bare fact.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What were the event’s most memorable recollections?
GeekWire reported that Swisher recalled accompanying Jeff Bezos to an early Amazon office and offered sharp observations about Steve Jobs and other technology leaders. These moments brought the book’s memoir element onto the stage: Swisher was drawing on her own encounters and perspective as a longtime technology journalist.
They are recollections and judgments attributed to Swisher in a reporter’s account, not independently established findings about the people named. The report’s quoted remarks are best read in that context. Todd Bishop’s GeekWire event report recounts the exchange and supplies the full context for the quoted lines.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Where can you read more?
Burn Book: A Tech Love Story is the book at the heart of the conversation; Town Hall’s event page linked readers to a retailer. That event listing does not establish current stock, edition options, or prices, so check the seller directly for availability. The sources cited here do not establish whether this particular Town Hall event has a public recording.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
